Natural disasters

The US government's Survival Gear Homeland Security website provides a list of in-home emergency kit items. The list focuses on the basics of survival: fresh water, food, clean air and materials to maintain body warmth. The recommended basic survival emergency kit items include: Water, at least one gallon of water per person for each day for drinking & sanitation (should be rotated...

Read More

Vehicle kits

Another level in some preparedness plans are Vehicle Kits. In some cases, supplies and equipment may be loaded into vehicle such as a van or truck with bicycle racks and an extra “reserve” gas tank. Some survivalists also carry a small (e.g., 250 cc) off-road-capable motorcycle in the van or truck. Food supplies in the bug-out vehicle include hundreds of pounds of wheat, rice, and beans,...

Read More

Military kits

Survival kits for military aviators are often modified according to the environment of operations: In desert areas, survival kits may have more water and sunscreen, and have additional items such as shade hats, a compass, a whistle, medical equipment, tinder, matches, and sun glasses. In tropical areas, a survival kit may have mosquito head netting, additional insect repellent, anti-fungal...

Read More

Lifeboat survival kits

Lifeboat survival kits are stowed in inflatable or rigid lifeboats or life rafts; the contents of these kits are mandated by coast guard or maritime regulations. These kits provide basic survival tools and supplies to enable passengers to survive until they are rescued. In addition to relying on lifeboat survival kits, many mariners will assemble a "ditch bag" or "abandon ship bag" containing...

Read More

Multipurpose tools or materials

Fixed-blade knife, or multitool such as a Swiss Army knife. Can opener Heavy-duty needle and thread for repairing clothing and equipment Red or orange plastic bag(s) or trash bags Sturdy cord or "550" parachute cord for setting up a tarpaulin and snaring small animals Hatchet with sheath for cold conditions, or machete for tropical conditions (shelter and fire) Camp stove or some type of...

Read More

Signaling, navigation and reference

Since the primary goal of a survival kit for lost or injured persons is rescue, this part of the kit may be considered the most essential. Key elements for rescue include: Whistle. Signal mirror. High power LED light (able to have batteries replaced, and carry an extra battery), white lens, with signaling capabilities. Strobe versions are available for some lights. Use lithium cells only,...

Read More

Food and water

Most survival kits involve sustenance for short periods of time, to be used and replenished before contents spoil. Water in sealed containers for dry areas, or water purification tablets or household bleach in areas where water is available but may be contaminated. For emergency water purification see: water purification techniques Heavy duty aluminum foil to create a distillation tube to...

Read More

Health and first aid

First aid kits will often include a combination of the following: Bandages Adhesive bandage Sterile combine dressing, and gauze pads Adhesive tape, and gauze tape Medical tweezers Surgical razor or scalpel Disinfectant pads Latex gloves (rubber if allergic to latex, to protect first aider against infection) A 30 day supply of personal prescription medication Antibiotic cream Epinephrine and antihistamines...

Read More

Shelter or warmth

A variety of materials are recommended for emergency shelter, and vary between geographic regions. Options often included in survival kits may consist of: Reflective "aluminized" (Mylar coated) space blanket or survival blanket to retain body heat (and signal) Lightweight poncho for protection against wind and rain "Tube tent" or bivvy bag Tarp with grommets or tie-tapes (best if nylon or...

Read More

survival kit

A survival kit is a package of basic tools and supplies prepared in advance as an aid to survival in an emergency. Military aircraft, lifeboats, and spacecraft are equipped with survival kits. Survival kits, in a variety of sizes, contain supplies and tools to provide a person with basic shelter against the elements, help them keep warm, meet their health and first aid needs, provide food and...

Read More